Berlin Marathon 2012: Route, Date, Start Time and TV Info

As the last weekend of September approaches, it could only mean one thing: The Berlin Marathon is upon us once again.

As one of the world's five major marathons—which also include Boston, Chicago, London and New York—the Berlin Marathon is certainly expected to draw quite a crowd, and now that 40,000 participants have already signed up, registration is closed.

So it's going to be a packed house—or route—on Sunday in Germany.

Last year, history was made at the marathon when Kenyan Patrick Makau set a world-record time of 2:03.38, shattering the former world record by 21 seconds, according to Adventure-Marathon.com.

The total distance of the marathon is 26 miles and 385 yards, or 42.195 kilometers. Only those who are 18 and older are permitted to participate in the race, and all of those who finish will be awarded a medal and a certificate.

Here's everything you need to know about the course, the start times and where to watch the action if you can't observe first-hand.

Date

As per tradition, the Berlin Marathon will take place on Sunday, Sept. 30—the last weekend of September.

Berlin is six hours ahead of East Coast time, which could make viewing the festivities a bit tricky, unless you love staying up all night (or getting up really, really early).

2:35 a.m. ET (8:35 a.m. in Berlin): Wheelchair competitors

2:43 a.m. ET (8:43 a.m. in Berlin): Hand cyclists

3 a.m. ET (9 a.m. in Berlin): Runners and power-walkers

Route Information

Source: BMW-Berlin-Marathon.com

This map should tell you everything you need to know about where the marathon starts, finishes and everything in between:

According to Adventure-Marathon.com, after the collapse of the Berlin Wall, the marathon course was redirected through both parts of the German capital; and the website states that running through Brandenburg Gate can be an emotional moment for participants.

Also, good news for those whose first marathon ever is in Berlin: The course is notoriously flat, which definitely makes things a bit easier.

Here are some of the historical landmarks that are covered on the course (per Adventure-Marathon.com):

Reichstag

PotsdamerPlatz

Berliner Dom

Brandenburg Gate

At the marathon's official website, you can also see maps that tell you where families can reunite with participants and where you can buy Berlin Marathon merchandise.

TV Information

According to UniversalSports.com, the Berlin Marathon is available to certain DIRECTV and DISH subscribers, based on subscription packages. For more information on whether or not it will be available to you, click here.

Weather Forecast

As of Wednesday afternoon, Sunday's forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies with a high of 61 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 43 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Weather.com.

The chances of rain are about 10 percent—good news for runners—but the humidity is expected to be at 69 percent.